Why is it hard for a program to generate random numbers?

Question

My kids asked me this question and I couldn\'t really give a concise, understandable explanation.

So I\'m hoping someone on SO can.

Answer 1

Because the only true source of randomness exists at the quantum level. With suitable hardware assists, computers can access this level. for example, they can sample the decay of a radioactve isotope or the noise from a thermionic valve. But your basic PC doesn't come with this cool stuff.